Manitoba to purchase private campground near site of former residential school

The Manitoba government is collaborating with Brandon, the province's second-largest city, to buy a private campground situated near the former site of a residential school. The campground, known as Turtle Crossing Campground, is located south of the former Brandon Indian Residential School. Historical records indicate the presence of a cemetery for children who perished at the residential school within the campground.

Premier Wab Kinew announced the partnership on Tuesday, explaining that the cemetery was in use from 1985 to 1912 following the transformation of the area into a suburban park. First Nations groups have been advocating for an investigation into the site since the cemetery's existence was documented through church records and provincial vital statistics files. The inquiry into the cemetery is anticipated to be led by Indigenous communities, with technical expertise and community knowledge guiding the process.

Kinew emphasized that future decisions regarding the site will be made in consultation with residential school survivors, impacted First Nations, and advocacy groups. Chief Jennifer Bone of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation echoed this sentiment, stating that the search would be conducted by Indigenous-led teams. The first annual payment for this collaboration is $205.00 plus GST for one year, with automatic renewal at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks.

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